Mikel Arteta admits midfielder Fabio Vieira deserves more minutes following Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Sporting
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has acknowledged that Fabio Vieira, the midfielder, should be given more playing time.
This statement was made following their 2-2 draw against Sporting CP on Thursday.
In the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, the Gunners went to Lisbon to play against Ruben Almiron’s team, and they took the lead in the 22nd minute when William Saliba, the central defender, headed in from a corner, with Vieira providing the assist by delivering an excellent cross to the French international.
After the game, Arteta praised the former Porto playmaker, stating that he was the most dangerous player on the field.
When asked about the performance of the 22-year-old, Arteta replied: “I am very pleased with him.”
“I think he deserves more minutes than he’s had, especially in the last two months. Obviously he had a difficult start because we injured for two months after a surgery and wasn’t at the level that we want.
“You saw tonight he was probably our most dangerous player. He was always making things happen. He’s a player that I absolutely love.”
Although Vieira was signed by Arsenal last summer, he has struggled to get enough playing time in his first season, as he is currently behind Martin Odegaard, the captain, and Granit Xhaka, the veteran midfielder, in the pecking order.
However, whenever he has been given opportunities, he has performed admirably, contributing two goals and six assists across all competitions.
In the previous weekend’s 3-2 triumph over Bournemouth in the Premier League, the Portuguese Under-21 international was given a starting role, and he will be hoping to showcase his skills again on Sunday when the Gunners go to Craven Cottage to play against Marco Silva’s Fulham.
Mikel Arteta admits midfielder Fabio Vieira deserves more minutes following Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Sporting
